Monthly Archives: March 2012

Day 4
Hurray we got to sleep in today! Dad found a new place to take me for my morning business. It has a funny name…Gilligan’s Island and is only about the size of a basketball court. No one lives there so I have lots of privacy and nobody around to make more RULES about dogs! Mom made burritos for everyone for breakfast. I love it when she makes that because she always gives me the last bite of her burrito.

After breakfast we all piled into the dinghies to go exploring. We went to Cayo Costa State Park, which is its own Island and only accessible by boat. We walked about a mile to the other side where there is a beautiful crescent shape beach. The island has cabins you can rent and tent camp grounds. There were a lot of people there on spring break.

When we returned to the boat we just hung out for a while. The humans all went to dinner at the famous little restaurant on Cabbage Key. They were talking nonsense about taping a dollar bill to the ceiling, and leaving it. That is like me leaving a perfectly good dog biscuit on the ground at the park. Those humans, sometimes I just don’t get them. On the bright side, I got another trip to Gilligan’s Island. Tomorrow we head back north.

Day 5
We weighed (that means raising it I guess) anchor at 8:30 a.m. (I am getting good at nautical terms.) We decided to go up the Intracoastal Waterway (ICW). At first I was horrified that we would have those awful big waves again because it was very rolly but that was just when we were crossing Charlotte Harbor. The water calmed down and we had a beautiful trip. We went through our first swing bridge and Mom was at the helm for the first time going under the next draw bridge. She looked kind of nervous, but did a great job.

We dropped the anchor in Lemon Bay by mid afternoon. We took the dinghy to a little restaurant on the water called the White Elephant. They allow good dogs to join their parents for lunch. Everyone was very nice to me and the humans loved the food. All I got was water but that is ok because everyone walked by and petted me and told me how handsome I am. I let them fawn over me because I know it makes my dad happy. Then it was back to the boat where everyone read or napped for a while.

The humans dinghied over to Bob and Carol’s boat for cocktails and dinner and left me to sleep the afternoon off. They had salmon and pasta and Dad told me it was very good. There is a very nice park near the anchorage where Dad took me before we all turned in.

Day 6
Before we weighed anchor this morning Dad took me back to the park and joy of joys I found a tennis ball. He threw it for me over and over. I LOVE tennis balls and thought it was nice that someone left one there for me to play with.

We went through EIGHT bridges today. Wow was it every crazy. There were boats everywhere, especially around Venice where my GG and Papa like to visit. Who knew that so many people liked to drive around in boats, both with and without sails? We were lucky that a friend had given us a list of the bridge names and opening routines so we knew what to expect at each one. I was so relaxed that I slept through part of it but at times I would sit up in the cockpit and watch the bridges go up. An interesting observation; whenever one boat passes another everyone waves at each other. I would wave to if I could but…

We pulled into Sarasota mid afternoon and dropped anchor. It is very pretty there. They have another fun water side restaurant called O’Leary’s that allows dogs to come with their parents. They even provide real water bowls to drink out of. We spent some time there and walked around a small park for a bit afterwards so Dad and Mom could show me where they have shot engagement photo sessions for some of their destination wedding bride and grooms.

The humans walked into town to Barnacle Bill’s for dinner. I stayed behind and rested. Then it was down for the last night of our great adventure.

Day 7
We weighed anchor at 9:30 and had a nice motor sail across Sarasota Bay. We went under the Longboat Pass Bridge and into the gulf about 2 hours later. The waves were really big again but this time they were following us so it wasn’t quite as bad according to my dad. I was nervous and yes you guessed it, my mom gave me medicine to help me relax. It was a really fast sail, sometimes going around 7 to 7 1/2 knots and at one point we had dolphins swimming in our bow wake for about 10 minutes. They were really big and would roll over and show us their tummies. Sometimes they would even jump out of the water. I like dolphins a lot and my dad and mom always get excited when they see them.

We pulled in to our marina about 4:30. The humans cleaned the boat inside and out then we relaxed for the rest of the evening marveling over the fun and beautiful weather we had. It was a very exciting adventure that Dad and Mom are still smiling about. Being a sailing dog is a great thing. You should check it out if you ever get the chance.

Day One
We threw off the lines and left the marina around 5:00 p.m. to anchor out at Emerson Point (Dad calls this staging). I was so excited that Karen was with us, because she loves on me like my mom and dad. Bob and Carol followed in their boat (Island Packet 380). After the anchors were set they came over to hang out with us on our boat. They kept reminding each other that it was 5:00 somewhere. I didn’t get it, but I was hungry.

Bob and Carol brought over a beautiful piece of pork that Dad cooked on the grill. It tasted heavenly. I give it two paws up!

After dinner Dad and Bob took me to shore to do my business. It was dark so Mom tried to help by blinding us with a spot light from the boat. She didn’t realize she wasn’t helping. Dad took Bob and Carol back to their boat and we all got ready for bed. Karen slept in the V berth and I joined her for a while. She has a nice comfy blanket and I quickly fell asleep occupying more space than any other 80 pound creature could possibly occupy.

Day Two
What the heck? Dad and Mom set their alarm for 7:00 a.m. Do you realize that the sun is not even up at that hour and I had not even thought about breakfast yet? Dad took me to shore then we pulled up the anchor and set off on our adventure.

The plan was to sail south to The Crow’s Nest in Venice. However, the wind was on our nose (not the forecast) which I now understand means the equivalent of putting my head out the window while Dad drives down the highway. It also meant the boat moved up and down a lot which made me feel a bit queasy. Mom, however saved the day and gave me the right medication.

Dad didn’t want the crew to know about his anxiety upon arriving at a marina he had never been to before (it is know for strong currents). I knew he felt a bit anxious but Mom didn’t have a clue. He did a fabulous job of docking the boat! My dad is the greatest captain ever!

Once in the slip Mom took me for a walk then Karen took over and let me drag her around. I love being a boat dog. Everyone says how handsome I am and that makes me so happy. I can’t wait to see what tomorrow brings!

Day Three
We left Crow’s Nest around 10:00 a.m. We had planned on leaving earlier but it took me a while to decide what patch of grass to do my business on.

When we got out into the gulf Dad and Mom tried to raise the main sail but it was all bunched up in the mast and they couldn’t unfurl it so we motor sailed with just the head sail. It was ok for a while but then the waves got really big. Dad thinks about five to six feet. It was a very rough ride and I was scared to death! Mom and Karen tried to calm me down but I wanted off this boat. Finally Mom gave me some medication and I relaxed enough to lay down. Karen laid by me on the floor of the cockpit to try and keep me calm. I really do not like BIG waves.

FINALLY we arrived at Useppa Island around 4:00. It is a really beautiful anchorage. We took the dinghy to Cabbage Key where I did my business and the humans had an adult beverage and I had my favorite beverage…water. It is quite a charming place and I bet it would be a great place for a destination wedding. I’m getting quite good at knowing things about wedding photography and good venues.

We returned to the boat for a dinner of Lake Chicken, rice, salad and Brussels sprouts. I could have done without the sprouts but the humans seem to like them. YUCK.

Off to bed for now. We have to rest up because tomorrow we are going exploring! Can’t wait!!

Several times a year Mom and Dad shoot destination weddings. They are going to Paris this summer and have shot in Mexico numerous times, but most often the weddings are in various parts of Florida.

Recently Real Deal wedding Photography went to The Pink Shell Resort in Fort Myers Beach, Florida. My two upright masters who feed me explained that no pets were allowed at the resort. That means that I got a mini vacation at Debbie’s house (see previous post).

The Pink Shell Resort is a beautiful resort for weddings. It is situated on a sugar-white sand beach at the tip of Estero Island and is surrounded by calm gulf waters with spectacular views. The staff was very attentive to every aspect of the wedding details.

Beach Wedding at The Pink Shell Resort

This particular destination wedding featured a striking couple from Kansas City (of all places!). Dad and Mom really loved spending the day with them and their families.

Josh and Adrien

The weather this winter in Florida has been amazing but this particular Friday, rain was in the forecast and unfortunately the forecast was right. It started raining very early but as if on cue, the rain stopped just in the nick of time for their morning beach wedding to come off without a hitch.

Most of the time the reception is held inside the resort. However, for this one everyone boarded a bus and were shuttled to the Sanibel Harbour Marriott. The party was on board the beautiful Sanibel Harbour Princess Yacht (located at Sanibel Harbour Marriott) as it cruised around the gulf coast. The Sanibel Harbour Princess accommodates 120 passengers in two indoor upper and lower salons as well as two outside observation decks. A private salon in the bow seats 16. There are bars on both decks. The captain and crew did a wonderful job of making sure that the 50 plus guests had a spectacular sit down meal.

Sanibel Harbour Princess Yacht

Afterwards there was dancing and cocktails on the upper deck complete with the bride’s 84 year old grandmother doing push ups on the dance floor.

Push Ups On The Dance Floor

Boy was Dad impressed! Said grandmother asked if dad would get the Captain to dance with her. Of course, Dad made it happen because at Real Deal Wedding Photography we aim to please!

We recommend you consider The Pink Shell Resort and/or the Sanibel Harbour Princess if you are planning a destination wedding in Florida. It goes without saying as to who you should hire for your destination wedding photographer. Just make sure there is room at Debbie’s dog spa for your favorite canine!